Why are there so many Fairtrade Certification Marks?
In the early years of Fairtrade labelling, each Labelling Initiative had its own Certification Mark and operated independently. In 2002, Fairtrade Labelling Organizations launched a new international Fairtrade Certification Mark. The goals of the launch were to improve the visibility of the Mark on supermarket shelves, convey a dynamic, forward-looking image for Fairtrade, facilitate cross border trade, and simplify procedures for importers and traders. The Fairtrade system has always been about global relationships and global standards of fairness – these were recognised for the first time with an international Fairtrade Certification Mark. The Fairtrade Certification Mark harmonization process is still under way as of August 2006, all but three Labelling Initiatives have adopted the new international Certification Mark. Full transition to the new Mark should become reality as it gradually replaces the old Certification Marks at various speeds in various countries.
